As a bridge between for-purpose funding and First Nations-led opportunities, we connect donors and grant-makers with high-impact projects that empower communities and drive lasting change.
UNITY OF FIRST PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA
UNITY OF FIRST PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA
OUR SERVICES
UFPA envisions a future of profound and lasting impact for First Nations communities. As part of this vision, we are entering an exciting new phase-reimagining our role as a holistic intermediary in the charity and not-for-profit sectors. Guided by new leadership and attuned to evolving sector needs, our work focuses on four key service areas.
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Our team provides comprehensive support to ensure that funds are utilised effectively, offering wrap-around services to both donors and recipients to maximise the impact of every dollar invested.
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We guide philanthropic foundations, corporate donors, and impact investors to identify and engage with opportunities that matter. From building partnerships and allocating funding to evaluating outcomes, we help ensure each investment drives meaningful change.
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By working closely with First Nations organisations and purpose-driven enterprises, we create a steady flow of high-impact funding opportunities across a range of essential community needs.
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We support robust evaluation and transparent reporting, giving donors clear insights into the real-world impact of their investments and their role in fostering positive change.
“We empower philanthropic foundations, corporate donors, & impact investors to connect with impactful, First Nations-driven initiatives that make a meaningful difference.”
ABOUT UFPA
With over 27 years of impact, the Unity of First Peoples of Australia (UFPA) stands as one of the oldest First Nations-led charities in the country. As a bridge between for-purpose funding and First Nations-led opportunities, we connect donors and grant-makers with high-impact projects that empower communities and drive lasting change.
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UFPA was founded by our father and grandfather, the late Ernie Bridge OAM—a proud Gija man from Purnululu in the remote East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Ernie’s journey from stockman to shire president to Western Australian parliamentarian fuelled his vision for UFPA, which he established in 1997 to create a brighter future for First Nations people.
Since then, UFPA has designed and delivered diverse, community-cantered programs that have reached both Perth and remote communities across the Kimberley region. As the primary organization behind these initiatives, we manage every aspect of their development, from initial planning and implementation to deep community engagement and thorough evaluation. Over the years, our programs have spanned areas such as community justice, skills development, health and diabetes care, elder support, cultural preservation, and early education.
This hands-on approach ensures that each program addresses the unique needs of the community, fosters local leadership, and achieves meaningful outcomes that carry forward Ernie’s legacy and our commitment to the resilience and strength of First Nations people.
